Trump orders major cut to US-South Korea drills, citing Iran dispute and North Korea ties

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to order the Pentagon to markedly curtail the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercises with South Korea, describing the maneuvers as costly and sending an inappropriate, hostile message to a “unthreatening and respectful” North Korea. He instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement the reduction after noting Seoul’s refusal to support a U.S. proposal to involve it in the denuclearization of Iran.

South Korean authorities, including the presidential office and Yonhap news agency, affirmed that the drills will still occur and expressed optimism that improved U.S.-North Korea relations could foster peace talks. The decision arrives as North Korea recently fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan and deepens its security partnership with Russia and China. Critics in South Korea, such as the Solidarity for Peace, Sovereignty and Reunification group, have protested the exercises, warning they could heighten regional tensions. Analysts suggest Trump’s move may be aimed at signaling willingness for dialogue, though its effectiveness remains uncertain.